There is something about the festive season that gives comms people free licence to be more creative.
The season’s cheer means that people are a bit more relaxed about the content they put out. As a result there’s been a slew of engaging content.
Some of it has a call-to-action while other content is a more relaxed human approach. A timely reminder that the people who work there are human too.
So, in the style of the Radio Times Christmas edition, here’s a quick run-down of some of the may clips that caught my eye.
Sussex Police’s domestic violence drama
Police would steer clear of domestic violence a few years ago. That’s changed. This video focusses on a child getting ready for Christmas under the shadow of warring adults. A call to the police leads them to come around.
Staffordshire Police’s Carpool Karaoke
A few years ago, Dover Police captured a singing cop while on patrol. It showed a human side. This Staffordshire Police video updates that. There’s carols. There’s also a conversation about the dangers of cybercrime. Why does it work? Because it’s just people talking. It’s brilliant.
West Sussex Council’s 12 days of Christmas
Christmas comes but once a year but grittimng can be four times in a 24-hour window. This light hearted clip shows the 12 days of Christmas with recycling and other messages. Excellent.
Bath & North East Somerset Council’s recycling singing
Mountains of wrapping follows Christmas and it’s always as well to get the message in quickly.
We also have a special recycling message from one of Santa’s little helpers! pic.twitter.com/SyMcZhWOgG
— B&NES Council (@bathnes) December 19, 2017
Derbyshire Constabulary’s Road Safety message
The is unusually affecting. The transcript of a potential road traffic collision is played out by children’s voiceover and toys. ‘Stay with me, stay with me,’ one child shouts as the victim loses consciousness. Drive safer is the message.
New Forest District Council’s location lyrics
Everyone loves a Christmas carol. The singing plays as council staff point to different parts of their district to pick out the key words. Merry Christmas.
Dorset Police’s Christmas pop hit
Taking inspiration from Carpool Karaoke is Dorset Police’s singing staff who make the clips on their lunchbreaks. There’s even a dog joining in.
West Midlands Ambulance Service’s epic fail
In amongst the more light-hearted clip is this excellent short clip from an ambulance service that flags the perils of driving with snow and ice on the roof. A block of ice falls froim a car in front and spins crashing into the windscreen of the following car.
You’ve probably seen what can happen if you don’t clear the snow off the roof of your car before you set off. If you haven’t been out since the snow came, make sure you leave time to clear snow off all of your car #safety #thelaw pic.twitter.com/7lQtSSa113
— WMAS (@OFFICIALWMAS) December 11, 2017
County Durham & Darlington Fire & Rescue Service
Proving that firefighters are not that great at singing but very good at joining in the seasonal cheer are is this example. Happy Christmas. And switch off your fairy lights.
This is good work. The trick now is to take this creativity into the New Year to shoot warm human footage that engages then too.
Full disclosure: I’ve helped train people in video skills from Durham and Darlington Fire & Rescue Service, New Forest District Council, Bath & North East Somserset Council and West Sussex Council.